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Clergy Training Information

In an effort to create a higher standard of Clergy training for those who follow an Earth Based/Interfaith belief system, the American Spiritual Alliance has researched the educational standards and criteria of many Religious organizations offering Clergy status. To date, these standards have been adopted and are in use by Northern Lakes Temple, Valkyrie Robes Temple and Flowing Waters Shrine.
What we found ran from what we consider “selling” the title to very strict and rigorous training practices. Our goal when compiling our internal criteria was to change what has become a mainstream view of our belief system, that being granting ordination to anyone willing to pay for the title.
We feel that we have accomplished this with a somewhat intensive four-year program. This program encompasses a three degree system which is commonly found within many Earth Based beliefs, however the resemblance ends there. Training to obtain Clergy credentials begins with an application process which includes a basic background check. This is done in an effort to eliminate the potential of someone with a criminal history that includes violent or sexually related convictions. The A.S.A. at no time allow anyone not of legal age to enroll into the Clergy training program. All applicants must be a member in good standing with the A.S.A. Once the application has been accepted, the applicant must be interviewed by our standards council, during this process, the applicant must successfully demonstrate that this path is one being undertaken seriously. If the applicant successfully passes the standards, they are assigned a Mentor. This Mentor will be a fully Ordained Minister with an in-depth background on the educational material provided.
The student will be required to pass a written (closed book) final exam at the end of each phase of training as well as an oral interview which will be conducted after receiving a passing grade of at least seventy percent on the final exam.
If at any time the student fails to receive a passing grade on a final exam, they will be given one opportunity to retake the test, but only after refresher training from their assigned Mentor.
The following is a list of A.S.A. standards of training for each of the three degrees used in Wicca:

Clergy Training Standards

Curate; A male or female non-Clergy member who has completed First Degree Certification but not necessarily attending Clergy Training. These individuals would be somewhat like a Lay Minister, a person having the knowledge and training but without Clerical title. They would be allowed to assist in most areas as needed. Training received to hold this title may, upon completion of all prerequisites for Clergy training be applied to the individuals actual Clergy training.

Initiate; One who has successfully completed all prerequisites for beginning Clergy Training. This title is used until the initiate has successfully completed First Degree Training. It also carries no Clergy status. An initiate may also carry the title Curate during their training.

First Degree: A learning position, much like the Acolyte position which is found in many belief systems.
The minimum length of study to receive First Degree status will be one year and one day. The initiate must have also passed all training criteria. Training time may run concurrently with Initiate status.
Although carrying Clerical status the 1st Degree would not actively participate in standing Ritual. They would be assigned as needed to act as entrance guardian, assisting with the placement and
arrangement of the Altar (under the guidance of a 2nd Degree or above), leading Ritual attendees into the Circle. All students are required to purchase The Dedicant’s Guide to First Degree Clergy prior to attending their first class.
They would also be continuing studies for 2nd Degree. As a 1st Degree, they would not yet be permitted to stand Handfasting, “Wiccaning”, Life passages or Funerals.

Second Degree: Although still a learning position, the 2nd Degree would actively participate in Ritual. Duties would include: cleansing the sacred space, Arrangement of the Altar, if asked, participation in the Ritual itself (although in a limited capacity). They would be permitted to assist a 3rd Degree with Handfastings, etc. They would also continue in studies for 3rd Degree.

The minimum length of study for Second Degree shall be one year and one day. The student will be required to successfully pass all study requirements as well as complete a community based service project which will be discussed with and approved by the students Mentor prior to receiving this Status.
This level does not carry full Clerical status and is still considered a student classification.

Third Degree: Attaining third Degree would constitute the ability to be raised to full Clergy status and as such would have all the rights and duties of a full Minister. This includes, but is not limited to, presiding over Ritual, Handfastings, etc.
One year and one day coupled with successful completion of all related study material is the minimum standard for receiving Third Degree status.

Senior Minister: This position would be held by any Third Degree who has successfully completed the fourth year independent study session. This individual is fully trained and capable of bearing the title and responsibilities of a Temple head or above.

This would include a minimum of three years and three days (aggregate) to be considered.

The individual would be required to Pass a Clerical exam as well as an interview process with the Educational Standards Council and their Temple head. Having obtained Third Degree status in no way infers elevation to full Clerical status.

Once the final testing phase is concluded, and it is agreed by the board that all work has been satisfactorily completed, then and only then would the candidate be ordained and elevated to full Clergy status.
Upon successful completion of all phases of training, the newly Ordained Clergy member would be required to sign an Oath of Affirmation, which would be maintained in their personal file with Gaianist Free Church administration.

The course of study for each of the three degrees is one calendar year per degree. In each case of the actual clergy training process (1st, 2nd and 3rd Degree) the student would have the right to bear the title Reverend as they are in fact members of the Clergy but based on station, certain limitations do apply.

Oath of Affirmation
As a member of the Clergy of the Gaianist Free Church
I _____________________________________________________ hereby do affirm, my Love and dedication to the Goddess and God. I vow to show them honor in thought and deed, through my daily life. I dedicate my life to their service.
I will hold the Rede highly in my mind and heart and strive to keep the tenants contained therein.
I will be both teacher and student, continuing to learn and grow, ever mindful that there is always something that will make me more effective in my vocation.
I vow to keep the tenants, doctrine and philosophies of my Tradition and its Temples and Shrines, for I am a public representation of them in all that I do.
If I knowingly do harm, I will abide by any decision or action taken by a consensus of the Church High Council as well as that of the Alliance Educational Council.
These things I vow with full understanding, an open mind and an open heart.

Disclaimer

No one under eighteen will be admitted to Clergy training. Workshops are available to those under eighteen with verifiable parental consent or participation.